Not Just a Stuck-Up Town
NEIRAD enilno edition
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It was only one month ago when the successful NAMES day took place where students were able to express their feelings about the problems that occur in high school. One of the most moving parts of the NAMES day assembly was when students were allowed to share their experiences that have hurt them and left them feeling isolated. Stereotypes were a big issue as well as judging people based on factors such as race, weight, and heritage.
However, one of the issues that revolves around stereotypes and judging that was not brought up was one about kids from Darien. Many people who do not live in the town of Darien automatically assume the people who do live here are stuck up and conceited. People hear about the stereotyping of towns like Bridgeport or Stamford based their economic standings and crime rates and the effect it has on the people of that town. But what many people do not realize is the effect stereotyping a town like Darien has on its residents.
Darien is a fairly wealthy town known for its excellent education facilities and sports programs. It's safe to say that living in Darien offers kids especially, an advantage because of all the resources available to them. Most high school students go on to great colleges and the financial aspects of college are usually not an issue, but this isn't always the case. All these seemingly excellent qualities about our town have unfortunately been turned into negative things throughout the years.
Those who live on the outskirts of Darien have been quick to judge it and the residents. It is not unusual for new teachers to have opinions on their students based on what they see. They see a large number of students dressed in expensive designer clothes and they see the large houses that line the streets and immediately think it is a town filled with bratty, spoiled kids. This is not the case. It is true that many parents in Darien provide their children with high-end clothing and a comfortable life, but that doesn’t make them spoiled. Many kids at Darien High School have after-school jobs, volunteer, or expected to help around the house. It is presumptuous to assume that Darien kids are handed everything and don't have to work for much. This is a stereotype that most people in the town are tired of hearing. Students are tired of having their coaches or others demean them by insinuating that life is a walk in the park for them and that everyone is rich. It is not true that every single person in Darien comes from money. There are plenty of people who live in regular-sized homes who simply live in the town for the great education it provides.
Another thing that is annoying to most kids living in Darien is the phrase "living in a bubble". Sure, the outside world is much different from the small, safe town that is Darien, but that's to be expected. If kids truly did live in a bubble, then they would be oblivious to things happening elsewhere. Residents understand how lucky they are to live in a simple, safe town and are appreciative of that. But by visiting other towns to do service projects and by watching the news, it is obvious not every person lives the same life as many of the people in Darien. Sure, residents don't know what it is like to live in a town where there is crime and poverty, but should that be a reason to look badly upon them?
Many people who live in Darien are grateful for what they have and are tired of being called stuck up and spoiled. It is time that maybe other towns consider the effects their judging has on the people of Darien.
